Symphony No. 6 in D Minor

Moderation is the watchword of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 6 in its length, orchestration, formal economy and expressive restraint, not least in the opening “Allegro molto moderato”, its initial pages drawing a rapt polyphony from strings and woodwind that culminates in music whose deftness of motion continues to the suddenly dramatic climax and pensive close. Next comes an intermezzo, consisting of subtle variations on its initial phrase for woodwind and harp, and a scherzo whose swift progress is twice waylaid by a martial episode prior to the emphatic close. After its plangent introduction, the “Allegro molto” finale summons the most emotive content, its impetuous course ultimately halted through an easeful return to the opening. The threnodic coda duly crystallises the music’s essence and closes on a sustained string chord of calm acceptance. Premiered in Helsinki on 19 February 1923, this work took the longest of Sibelius’ symphonies to enter the orchestral repertoire, but its stature is now unquestioned.